May 22
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In the OT, God is always telling HIs people to "Fear not." It seems so peculiar that just before heading into war, God would tell soldiers to be without fear. People die in war. People lose limbs and suffer emotional damage. People come rarely come back the same. But they weren't concerned with that...and neither was God. They were driven by victory. God is telling his people that the victory is theirs. No matter the circumstances and trials of that victory...it's a… Read more »
Apr 23
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djfree added a text contribution DiscipleshipTruth and Life: this is discipleship right here. v 1 peak the truth of the Word. v 6-10 Live a life that exemplifies Christ. Discipleship can be broken down into transferring truth and life to your disciple. This is how it's done. Read more »
Apr 14
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djfree added a text contribution Cash and GodI've spent the morning considering my student loan debt...it is stressful. Yet, I love that I ran across this passage. This guy had the Son of Man at His fingertips and his primary concern was monetary. Foolish! Thanks be to God that He keeps us and faithfully provides. Do not worry! Read more »
Mar 25
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djfree added a text contribution The MysteryThe 'Mystery' was not known to man in ages past, but it did exist. God, in His wisdom, allowed non-Jews to become followers of His through Christ in His own timing. It wasn't a matter of Him deciding to allow us to be His children because of His anger with the Jews, but He always intended to graft us in. Read more »
Mar 24
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If I was created for good works and they were created beforehand that I should walk in them then I need to be much more devoted to prayer. I need to prepare to accept and walk in that which has already been prepared for me. Read more »
Mar 19
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djfree added a text contribution Walking in MemphisThis is a word for the Church at Memphis. The the sectarian divisions, whether they be denominational, racial, socio-econimical, or territorial are bogus. We have the same Saviour and the same promise. That's plenty of common ground. Read more »
Mar 18
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djfree added a text contribution I am PeterAmongst believers, I am almost always bold. Amongst the world, I am only sometimes bold. I am Peter. Read more »
Mar 17
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djfree added a text contribution Bondage of FreedomFreedom will bind you, even blind you, if Christ isn't the center of your freedom. We gotta know that we're free so that we can glorify Christ, not for personal comfort and enjoyment. But I'm free...surely a little sin is acceptable?? CERTAINLY NOT!!!!! A heart for Christ is a heart that despises sin. I need to be reminded of this constantly. Read more »
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djfree added a text contribution "Please Hold for Jesus Christ"Such an awesome passage of scripture. As hard as it is for many to believe and accept, myself included, we are predestined to be Christians. Paul says that he was called in God's timing; only when it pleased the Father. These truths are hard, but clearly taught in the Word of God. As well, I love, as a friend pointed out the other day, that when Paul was called, he didn't "immediately confer with flesh and blood." He went to Arabia and not to Jerusalem. His first instinc… Read more »
Mar 14
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I imagine Paul just sitting there laughing uncontrollably with joy as he heard the vision of his brother. He probably told all of his friends with wicked excitement. He boasted in his friend's vision. Yet, of his own exploits he kept silent, except to boast of his weakness through Christ is made glorious!! Humility is critical in the kingdom. Read more »
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I rarely think about Heaven, but when I do, it's always pretty awesome. This short verse blows all of my thoughts out of the water. Bro heard words that are not lawful for man to utter. EVERYTHING about heaven is gonna be off the chain!! Read more »
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djfree added a text contribution Intense ConcernI don't think the word concern does justice for Paul's sentiments toward the churches. This dude burned with indignation when one stumbled...a firestorm of righteous anger burned inside of him when his brothers fell. If Paul is the example, and I believe he is, I need to pray that I would be more concerned for my fellow Christ-followers. Read more »
Mar 13
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djfree added a text contribution Worried About Other PeopleI guess it's been going on for thousands of years. The Israelites were more concerned about how they looked to the Egyptians (society) than what God was doing. Were they faced with slave labor and beatings? Yeah. No excuse, though. God is 'The Man,' not Pharoh. Read more »
Mar 10
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djfree added a text contribution Grow and AccomplishThis passage speaks directly to giving, but I think it also speaks to the more universal issue of growth. This is an exhortation to the Corinthians to continue growing. Paul is basically saying, "You have had healthy desires in your heart and that's good. Now accomplish them." As Paul urged them to financially support others, the same is true in progressing in faith and knowledge. If I don't put action to the desires that are, and have been, in my heart, then people out… Read more »
Mar 9
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djfree added a text contribution Open Doors??This passage has intrigued me for some time. A door was opened by the Lord, yet Paul didn't have rest because his close friend was not there, so he left and went to Macedonia in the name of the Lord. This gave me rest some time ago when I had the opportunity to pursue a sweet job elsewhere, but didn't have rest. I still don't get it though...why did the Lord open a door through which Paul would not enter?? Why would the Lord open the door and not give him rest??? Read more »
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djfree added a text contribution That's Fa Sho!Daily I see my falleness and utter need for Christ to live through me and be more revealed in my heart. I'm a mess. BUT...the Holy Spirit calling to my heart and constantly leading me out of myself and into Christ is my guarantee. There's no greater assurance. I'm His. Read more »
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djfree added a text contribution LeadershipPaul willingly endured terrible suffering knowing that others would follow. He courageously endured, setting the example for Christ followers that would encounter persecution and suffering. He stood tall so that we would see and follow suit. That's true leadership. Read more »
Mar 6
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djfree added a text contribution Keep On Keeping OnStated herein, salvation is an ongoing process through holding fast to the gospel of JC. The Bible clearly teaches that we are sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph 1:13, 4:30 etc) and assurred of our salvation (1 John 5:13, 1 Thess 1:5, etc.), but there's no such thing as sliding easily into the Kingdom i.e. christianity of your own accord. In the military, when the drill instructor gives the command, "Hold Fast!," the unit he's commanding knows to continue the current action wit… Read more »
Mar 5
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djfree added a text contribution AccountabilityWhat??? I have to take responsibility for everything I say and do in the name of the Lord?? No way! Read more »
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djfree added a text contribution The Word of GodI started to speed through this section, having heard it so many times. I had to stop and tell myself that even though this is most often used as a tagline in Valentines Day cards, it's still the Word of God. I want to keep this fresh and close to my recollection; to love as God would have me to love. Whether it's my siblings, parents, strangers, roommates, friends or my wonderful girlfriend, my love has to be full and without blemish. I want to love for real; to love hard even whe… Read more »
Mar 4
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djfree added a text contribution Glory and SalvationIt's spelled out time and again in the new covenant. First, glorify God in order to, second, bring folks to salvation. God shining bright in all of my actions will naturally lead folks to the Kingdom. The two are interconnected. Read more »
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djfree added a text contribution Personal FlairThis is one of the ultimate "it's not about me" passages. Becoming weak for the weak's sake??? Why would I do that...I'm a man?!? Paul had such a glorious and expansive view of the Gospel that he was willing to subject himself to all kinds of uncomfort and changes in order to allow the Gospel to be furthered. That's powerful. Read more »
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Man, Paul cautioned himself against not constantly preaching the gospel! No slacking off, buddy, there's danger in not preaching. Read more »
Mar 3
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djfree added a text contribution WERE (Past Tense)"And such WERE some of you." YESSSS!! What a glorious statement. Some in the church at Corinth WERE idolaters, WERE thieves, WERE covetous, even WERE homosexuals and sodomites... at one point these things were their idenitity and their lives. But the name of the Lord justified them and they were washed. What hope!! I once was evil, but I was washed and sanctified and justified and that garbage is no longer my identity. Praise Jesus! Read more »
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djfree added a text contribution Imitate MeAs I seek to follow Christ and lead people to Him, I have to be worthy to be imitated. I wasn't called only to follow Him, but to be an example in following Him. Heavy. Read more »